Firemap200 Multiple fires broke out along the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar today, threatening homes, causing traffic backups and prompting a massive response from firefighters.
More than 250 firefighters and numerous aircraft battled what appeared to be eight fires that were reported around 11:45 a.m. in the hills south of the 60 Freeway between the 57 and 71 freeways. No homes were lost, but the flames came close to several upscale hillside subdivisions.
Students at Diamond Ranch High School took shelter in the gymnasium and prepared to be evacuated if needed, but Pomona Unified School District officials said the campus was not threatened by the fire.
The water drops significantly reduced the spread of the fires, which appeared to be dying down as of about 1:30 p.m.
The California Highway Patrol was dispatched to the reports of at least five spot fires. The first came at 11:45 this morning, reporting a “small fire on the right shoulder of the eastbound 60 Freeway at the Northbound 57 Freeway.”
The brush fire consumed at least 50 acres, said Maria Antuna, a spokeswoman with Los Angeles County Fire Department.
There are 23 fire engines on the scene and four helicopters are dropping water over the blaze, Antuna said.
Lanes on the 60 Freeway were closed so firefighters could battle the fires.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said they have detained the driver and passenger of a pickup truck that they believe is responsible for the fires.
A small fire started in the bed of the pickup truck and the two people in the cab didn't realize it, said Sgt. Diane Hecht. Burning debris flew out of the bed at multiple points, starting fires in the brush. Sheriff’s and fire investigators are continuing to investigate, Hecht said.]
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